The first session of the "Science and Technology Masters" lecture series for this academic year was successfully held.
The "Master of Science and Technology" lecture series titled “Bulk High Temperature Superconductors: Revolution or Red Herring?” hosted by the Macau University of Science and Technology was successfully held in the afternoon of 2nd September 2025 at the N101 Hall,Block N. The lecture was delivered by Professor David Cardwell FREng, Professor of Superconducting Engineering, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning and Former Head of the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. Before the lecture began, Chair Prof. Joseph Hun-wei LEE, Vice Chancellor and President of MUST delivered an online welcome speech. Associate Vice President and Dean at School of Liberal Arts Prof. Aliana, Manwai Leong presented an appointment letter and souvenir to Professor David Cardwell.
Associate Vice President Prof. Aliana, Manwai Leong presented a souvenir to Professor David Cardwell
At the beginning of the lecture, Professor David Cardwell introduced that the discovery of superconductivity can be traced back to 1911. This fascinating and challenging field has attracted many researchers, producing 12 Nobel laureates to date. Subsequently, Professor Cardwell explained through interesting stories how people discovered that low-temperature environments could be used to study materials, which is particularly suitable for researching superconducting technology.
Professor David Cardwell delivering lecture
Today, the bulk form of superconductors plays a crucial role in many high-magnetic-field applications that are difficult to achieve easily with other technologies, such as magnetic levitation devices, more efficient power generators, and medical MRI imaging. Subsequently, Professor David Cardwell explained the BCS theory of superconductivity—a theory based on the nearly free electron model, developed under the premise of weak electron-phonon interactions and used the BCS theory to explain some of the phenomena mentioned earlier.Later, Professor David Cardwell introduced via video how to use magnetism to intercept moving drugs, enabling surgeries to be performed in more challenging parts of the body while reducing side effects.
During the Q&A session, a student asked about the characteristics of two-dimensional superconductors. Professor David Cardwell believed that locating electrons in two-dimensional space makes them easier to control. He also suggested that for every theory, unless a series of tests can be conducted, it is a waste of time. Additionally, the materials provide us with real opportunities for experimentation.
The lecture is sponsored by SWH Import and Export Company Limited.
